Trump Administration Moves To Make Prefab Homes Easier To Build in Factories

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) proposed a rule on Friday morning to revise definitions for manufactured housing, aiming to simplify the construction of prefabricated homes. This proposed change seeks to remove the requirement that all sections of manufactured houses must be built on a permanent chassis. HUD Secretary Scott Turner stated that this revision will encourage innovation and help manufacturers deliver more affordable housing options. The 21st Century Road to Housing Act, a housing bill nearing passage in Congress, also contains a similar provision. The proposed rule is open for public comment for 60 days, with input accepted until August 11. HUD believes that easing the chassis requirement will facilitate the construction of multistory manufactured homes, which can then be transported in sections to their final sites. This initiative addresses the nationwide housing shortage by promoting manufactured housing as a viable solution. The current chassis rule originates from the 1974 National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act, which was established when mobile homes were frequently relocated. HUD's previous interpretation mandated a permanent chassis for each home section, hindering multistory designs. The new proposal suggests that the chassis requirement applies to the completed home structure, not individual sections.